Stories from Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Boyd creates painting for auction here (12/02/09)
A stunning painting of a country church in the woods, by Rector native Joel Boyd, will be auctioned by the Rector Woman's Club during Rector's annual community Christmas party Thursday night following the Rector Christmas parade...

Holidays in Rector full of fun (12/02/09)
There is a myth that small towns are boring and offer nothing to do for fun. But if one looks at a schedule of holiday events in Rector, well -- it's easy to see this town is anything but boring. In fact, one could easily find something interesting to do almost every day and night -- especially during the holiday season...

GT Christmas Talent, Art and Project Show planned for Dec. 12 (12/02/09)
Rector Elementary Gifted and Talented Students will participate at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, in the third annual GT Christmas Talent, Art and Project Show, to be held in the elementary multi-purpose room...

Reading sparks interest in writing for local teen (12/02/09)
At just 15, Joseph Hargrave already has formed a fondness for reading and writing which likely will remain with him for the rest of his life. The creative young man, who grandmother Rita Dortch says "has a head full of stories," writes every day, whether in his journal or creating new worlds on paper which may one day serve to delight a whole new generation of young readers...

City gets grant for trees at park (12/02/09)
The City of Rector has received a grant for $6,456 for restoration of trees lost in the January ice storm. The award, part of the Ice Storm Recovery Grant Program, came from the Arkansas Forestry Commission...

Holiday decorations can hide possiblity of danger (12/02/09)
The holiday season is one of the most beautiful and vivid times of the year. While much of the luster comes from the joyful spirits and natures of those who celebrate the holiday, there is no denying the appeal and attraction Christmas decorations have for so many who enjoy this holiday tradition...

Cougars busy over break (12/02/09)
With the Cougars slated to visit Trumann Tuesday night, coach Matt Mills has had his team working hard for not only the aforementioned, but the many to follow as the high school basketball season heats up...

Lady Cougars working hard (12/02/09)
The Lady Cougars enjoyed their holiday break, and are now working hard in practice in preparation for their return to action later this week. The senior A and B teams will take the court beginning at 6 p.m. ...

More beautiful than it is useful (12/02/09)
"This curious world we inhabit is more wonderful than convenient; more beautiful than it is useful; it is more to be admired and enjoyed than used." Those words easily could be stated by an environmental leader of the 21st Century. But such is not the case...

Infamy redressed? (12/02/09)
The writer was an 18-year-old sophomore in college when the naval and air forces of Japan made their dastardly attack on Pearl Harbor without justification or warning. Living in Washington, D.C., in that year of 1941, I felt I was in the midst of matters spinning out of control, because of which my life would never again be the same...

Aging can be funny (12/02/09)
When people grow old, they begin to view things in a different way. Though the appearance changes outwardly, often the older person feels young inside. Jokes and bumper stickers speak for the elderly sometimes...

NAOMI RUTH BRANNAN (12/02/09)
Naomi Ruth Brannan was born on May 9, 1931, to the late Luther Winslow and Ruby Beatrice (Houston) Clayton, in Rector. She departed this life on Dec. 1, 2009, in the St. Bernards Regional Medical Center at the age...

Velis Ray "Tootie" Bateman (12/02/09)
Velis Ray "Tootie" Bateman, 78, of Marmaduke passed away on Nov. 27, 2009. Mr. Bateman was born on Aug. 11, 1931, to the late Sidney and Stella (Morley) Bateman in Rector, Ark. He was retired from U.S. Pipe...